Legislation that would ban the retail sale of animals obtained from commercial breeders in DuPage and Will counties recently was introduced in Springfield by state Sen. Michael Connelly, R-Naperville, and state Rep. David Olsen, R-Downers Grove, according to a news release.

“Commercial breeding can be a sad and abusive industry,” Connelly said in the release. “Not only will this bill help stop inhumane practices, but it will also encourage pet stores to partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations. This legislation will not make it illegal to breed pets. People will still be able to purchase an animal directly from a breeder.”

Olsen said the lack of oversight and standards often seen at puppy mills and catteries cannot go unchecked.

“The cruel practice of breeding animals on a mass scale for retail sale with no regard for the health and welfare of the animals must stop,” Olsen said in the release. “Senate Bill 2280 would improve animal welfare standards, encourage more pet adoptions and responsible breeding practices, and protect consumers, who today are largely unaware of the inhumane treatment many animals are subjected to before they are sold.”

The bill is the product of collaboration by leaders in DuPage and Will counties, the Humane Society of the United States, the Puppy Mill Project and several other local animal advocacy groups. It would bring state laws regulating the retail sale of animals obtained from commercial breeders in line with similar laws already in place in Chicago and Cook County.